Wind & Rain Didn’t Keep the Golfers Away
Horizons in Hemophilia, November 2015
By Heidie Nesset, Director of Development
The wind, rain and chilly conditions did not stand in the way of a great day on the golf course. Nearly 150 golfers teed off to help support research for a cure for hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders on Tuesday, October 27th for the 33rd Annual Hit 'Em for Hemophilia Golf Tournament.
Current and former Atlanta Braves players and other sports celebrities joined golfers for this unique opportunity to enjoy a day of golf, networking and camaraderie. One of the many highlights of the day was a putting contest on the 18th hole against Baseball Hall of Famer and Former Atlanta Braves great, Mr. Bobby Cox.
“It was a once in a lifetime experience, one that I certainly will never forget,” said one golfer after competing with Bobby Cox.
While the golf tournament’s legacy is not quite to the scale that Bobby Cox has with the Atlanta Braves, Hemophilia of Georgia’s partnership with the Braves began back in 1982. Since then, the Annual Hit 'Em for Hemophilia Golf Tournament is now recognized as one of the premier charity golf outings in the United States and has raised more than $12 million to fund research for a cure.
Treatment for hemophilia and other bleeding disorders has come a long way since 1982; however, there is still much work to be done. Funding to support groundbreaking research remains critical.
HoG client, Chip H., expressed his gratitude for golfers, event participants and sponsors for supporting such critical research that has significantly improved his quality of life as he lives with hemophilia. Chip shared his testimony and the complications he’s experienced living with hemophilia and stressed that continued research and funding is still needed to find a cure.
Chip closed with an introduction for the announcement of the Ernie Johnson Award given to a company or individual who has shown outstanding support and dedication to the Hit 'Em for Hemophilia Golf Tournament. This year, Delta Air Lines Charter Services was presented with the award, with Ronan MacMichael accepting the award. Delta Air Lines Charter Services has been a sponsor and supporter of the golf tournament since its inaugural year.
The day on the course concluded with an auction and awards reception. The winning team shot an impressive 16 under par and was led by former Atlanta Falcons All-Pro defensive end Chuck Smith. Unfortunately, no one won the Hardy Chevrolet Tahoe on the hole-in-one challenge, but there is always next year!
The 33rd Annual Hit 'Em for Hemophilia Golf Tournament would not be possible without all of our generous sponsors. Special thanks to the Atlanta Braves, Baxalta, Brown & Co. Jewelers, CSL Behring, Novo Nordisk, The Bill Bartholomay Foundation, Harbinger National, JP Healthcare Consulting, Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Findlay Rowe Gifts & Florists, Hardy Chevrolet, Mizuno, Sunbelt Snacks, United Distributors, Pfizer, Grifols, Ceviche, Roux on Canton, Marietta Frame, Merrill Lynch, ZWJ Investment Counsel, BB&T, Capital Financial Group, Emergent BioSolutions, Octapharma, Smith, Gambrell & Russell and Taurus Development.
We look forward to seeing everyone at our 34th Annual Hit 'Em for Hemophilia Golf Tournament on Tuesday, October 25, 2016. More information will be coming soon.